Ousmane Dembélé’s Unstoppable Rise: The 2025 Ballon d’Or Favourite Who Redefined PSG

PSG’s New Icon: Dembélé’s Spectacular Season Captivates Football

There are football seasons that sparkle, and then there are those that burn so brightly they reset the expectations for what greatness looks like. Ousmane Dembélé’s 2024/25 campaign with Paris Saint-Germain was unmistakably the latter—a storm of goals, assists, and game-changing performances that has made him the bookmakers’ clear favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or. His numbers leap off the page, but the story behind them is where the magic truly lies.

Numbers That Tell a Story: Historic Achievements and Personal Bests

Dembélé’s ascent wasn’t just about adding another trophy to PSG’s glittering cabinet—it was about rewriting his own narrative. After years of unfulfilled promise and frustrating injuries, the 28-year-old winger became the centrepiece of an all-conquering PSG side. In the span considered for the Ballon d’Or—August 2024 to July 2025—he amassed 33 goals and 13 assists in all competitions. Only Kylian Mbappé and Robert Lewandowski outscored his 32 non-penalty goals among Europe’s elite.

But the statistics only tell part of the story. Dembélé’s impact was felt most keenly in decisive moments. From the new year onward, he was electric: 25 goals and 8 assists in 29 games, including a streak of scoring in his first six matches of 2025 and back-to-back hat-tricks in the same week. By the time PSG stormed to a 5-0 Champions League final win against Inter, Dembélé had not only scored but also assisted twice, becoming the first player since Marcelo (2018) to provide two assists in a UCL final (The Analyst).

This season was not just his best—it was transformative. Dembélé’s 46 goal involvements more than doubled his previous best from his Barcelona days. In Ligue 1, his 27 contributions (21 goals, 7 assists) led the league, while his 20 non-penalty goals stood six clear of the next best. In the Champions League, his 14 goal involvements were a record for a French club player, and his chance creation (38) was joint-best in the competition.

Redefining a Role: From Winger to Relentless Finisher

Much of Dembélé’s renaissance came from adaptation. Forced to play as a striker in 56% of his minutes, he didn’t just survive—he thrived. He ranked in the 100th percentile for chances created and progressive carries, and was in the 99th percentile for shots and box touches. Per 90 minutes, he led all forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals (1.07) and shots (5.3), underlining his transformation from elusive winger to lethal finisher.

Dembélé’s involvement in PSG’s attacking sequences was unmatched: his 9.6 attacking sequence involvements per 90 minutes in Ligue 1 was the highest across Europe’s elite leagues. In the Champions League, he again led the competition in this metric, a testament to his influence in PSG’s attacking machinery.

The Competition: Yamal, Raphinha, and Salah Push the Pace

Of course, the Ballon d’Or is never awarded in a vacuum. This year, the shortlist is fierce. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, only 17, notched 19 goals and 26 assists in a breakout season and played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. Raphinha’s 34 goals and 25 assists for Barcelona’s treble-winning side have also kept him in the conversation. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, ever the consistent force, led the Premier League in both goals (29) and assists (18), guiding his team to their 20th league title (Sky Sports, India Today).

Yet, even among such company, Dembélé’s narrative stands out. His teammate Kylian Mbappé—himself a Ballon d’Or nominee—publicly declared, “If it were up to me, I’d deliver it to his house,” in support of Dembélé’s claim.

More Than Numbers: Leadership, Redemption, and Financial Impact

Dembélé’s season was also about leadership and redemption. Once dogged by injury and inconsistency, he became the heartbeat of PSG’s attack and a symbol of their new European ambition. He played through injury at the Club World Cup, contributing crucial goals despite limited appearances as PSG finished runners-up to Chelsea.

The transformation extended beyond the pitch. Dembélé’s financial standing mirrors his footballing rise. With a net worth estimated at $35 million and a PSG salary around €18 million per year, his commercial value is soaring. Endorsements and bonuses now make up a significant portion of his income, and a Ballon d’Or win would further amplify his global appeal (Marca).

But as with all top athletes, stability is precious. Injuries, contractual twists, or dips in form could threaten even the brightest trajectory. For now, though, Dembélé’s future at PSG—and in the global footballing conversation—seems secure.

The Night in Paris: Ceremony, Absences, and the Weight of History

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, set at Paris’ Theatre du Chatelet, will be missing some of its biggest stars. Due to a rescheduled Ligue 1 clash against Marseille, Dembélé and several PSG players may not attend the ceremony in person. Real Madrid’s nominees are also expected to skip the event, adding a layer of intrigue to an already unpredictable night (India Today).

Yet, wherever he is when the envelope is opened, Dembélé’s season will be remembered as one of the defining stories of modern football—a campaign where talent, timing, and tenacity came together in perfect harmony.

Assessment: Dembélé’s 2024/25 season was a masterclass in personal and collective transformation. His statistical leap, leadership in high-pressure moments, and adaptability in a new role propelled PSG to unprecedented heights and redefined what was possible for a player once written off as injury-prone. While competition for the Ballon d’Or remains intense, Dembélé’s story—of resilience, reinvention, and sheer impact—makes him a deserving favourite and a symbol of football’s unpredictable beauty.